Murals to honor more Sacramento ‘legends of hospitality.’ See who made the list
Four new murals will be revealed Tuesday on the “Legends of Hospitality” series in downtown Sacramento’s Jazz Alley.
The location, behind the Sheraton Hotel, already hosts the likenesses of restaurateurs Lina Fat, Biba Caggiano and Randy Paragary, and food connoisseur Darrell Corti.
The series is being painted by Ian Wilkinson, who goes by Ian the Painter, in a black and white, photorealistic documentary style. Two dozen murals are ultimately planned, according to event organizers.
Wilkinson, speaking during a break from painting on Friday, said that hosting and hospitality help shape the culture of a place, and he hopes to continue to honor their legacies.
“A lot of times we’re dependent on the pictures that we have, but the personalities of these people are what should shine through, and I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting most of them,” he said.
The murals are being unveiled by Wide Open Walls, Sacramento’s longtime mural festival.
“Sacramento has always celebrated its legends, and this project honors those who helped put our city on the map as a premier food and hospitality destination,” said David Sobon, CEO of the festival, in a news release.
New culinary and hospitality figures honored
• Reda Bellarbi-Salah founded midtown mainstay Aioli Bodega Española, known for its tapas, paella and sangria, in 1994.
• David Berkley was the longtime owner gourmet specialty food destination David Berkley Fine Wines & Specialty Foods at the Pavillions shopping center in Arden Arcade.
• Jeroen Gerrese is the general manager of the Sheraton Hotel Sacramento, which just completed a two-year, $35 million renovation.
• Leon Sobon, the patriarch of the Amador County winemaking family, was a research chemist before moving his family to the region in 1977.
The Bee’s Paul Kitagaki Jr. contributed to this story.
This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
